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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05120111 Correspondence .' Blanchard, Jim E From: Sent: To: Subject: Phil Gettum [phil.gettum@gettum.com] Wednesday. August 16, 2006 1 :21 PM Blanchard, Jim E Permit # 05120111, 10850 Cornell St., Notice of Correction, 8-15-06 Jim- I have a problem I need your help with. We received a copy of the above referenced Notice of Correction this morning from the homeowner. This is in regard to a final inspection for a remodel we did at that address. There were two things sited: #1. Failure to put a handrail on an auxiliary stairway to a storage area over an ~~.~ unfinished detached garage. /tJ ~,ij"~A\- Although we have no real problem putting a handrail on the stairs to the storage area Yn the garage, I do question where that requirement exists in the code. Section #R309 as amended along with its added TABLE R309 specifically states that Footings, Floors, Exterior walls, Girders & Headers, Roof Systems, Electrical, Water/Sanitation, Permanent Heat and number of stories for detached structures must comply with the IRe. As they should, no problem. However, with in that section, R309.5.2 specifically states that when a HABITABLE ROOM exists within a detached structure that structure must comply with Section R311 Means of Egress. Again, no problem. But by statute, if a habitable room does not exist within the structure, the converse must also apply. Thus, no requirements exist for stairways or their hand rails in a detached structure. If this had not been the intent of the code, then it would not have been necessary to specifically address the situation of habitable and non-habitable spaces and when these requirements do apply. Furthermore, if the intent had been to regulate access to non-habitable spaces in detached structures, which would include garage attic storage spaces, then there would logically be regulations governing the use of pull down attic stairways which access the exact same spaces. Therefore our contention is that no requirements exist for stairways, handrails or egress doors within detached structures that do not contain habitable spaces. Please advise. #2. Structure was occupied. This structure was not occupied when we left the site. However, in all fairness to the homeowner, we failed to adequately communicate the DO NOT PUT A BLOODY THING IN THE SPACE until after the issuance of the Occupancy Permit. There were some extenuating circumstances however. Under contract the painting, floor covering and bath accessories were "by owner" and not included under our contract. We normally like to wait until these items are completed before calling for the final inspection, as this usually also includes a final draw from the bank. As is our normal procedure, we asked the owner to call us when he was completed with his items and we would order the final inspection. Which we did. However, because Mr. and Mrs. Allman took almost three months to get all their "by homeowner" tasks completed, they went ahead and put their stuff in their garage, bathroom and closet. We take full responsibility for not getting their signatures in blood acknowledging the DO NOT OCCUpy provisions. In fact, because Carmel is the only jurisdiction enforcing such a requirement, I can not state with any assurance that we even told them not to put their belongings in the spaces. We failed to do our job. Here is where I need your help. I asked Mr. Chris Miser(sp?) the inspector, if someone from our company could meet the inspector at the Allman residence and move any items that would impede a final inspection. After some conferring with his fellow inspectors he informed me that I would have to tell the homeowners to completely remove all items from the remodeled areas. I recognize the need to be able to do a proper circumstances, I hardly think the homeowner is interpretation, especially when we have agreed of aiding his/her access. inspection. However, under the being well served by this harsh to accompany the inspector for the purpose I am asking you to consider my request for some modification to the original decision. We will provide access to the space, move anything impeding a thorough inspection and we will 1 NEVER ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN AGAIN. Thank you for tolerating my begging and groveling and the spirit in which it is offer~d. Thanks, Phil Phil Gettum, CGR, GEl, CAPS President Gettum Associates, Inc. 4984 West Smith Valley Road Greenwood, Indiana 46142 317-888-5681 317-888-5734 FAX 1-866-234-7465 Toll Free http://www.gettum.com 2